Boat Title Search Advisor
Frequently asked questions about boat title, registration and USCG documentation searches.
Our boat title search advisor provides answers to frequently asked questions from readers about state, federal and foreign title searches. It is offered in conjunction with our boat title search overview and step-by-step guidelines. Please let us know if you have any further questions about boat title searches and we will respond promptly.
Why is it so difficult to find a boat owner?
Locating the owner of a state registered boat has become ever more difficult now that most registration agencies have adopted the federal Personal Privacy Act as promulgated for vehicles. This means that only the owner, an authorized representative and certain privileged parties may have access to such records. Tracking down the owner of a USCG documented vessel is on the other hand much easier as such records are openly available to the general public through the National Vessel Documentation Center.
Can I conduct my own boat title search?
Anyone can conduct a boat title search based on the information and resources found in our website. However, such undertaking may prove a bit arduous given the complex issues surrounding how boats are registered, titled, and Coast Guard documented. Given the absence of boat title insurance in the marine industry, this may be the best way of ensuring a marketable title that is free of any liens or encumbrances.
Can I search by a boat owner's name?
State registration and USCG documentation records are not searchable by an owner's name. You will typically need a hull identification number, state registration number or official USCG documentation number at best. Uniform Commercial Code searches are on the other hand searchable by the owner's name only.
What is a boat history search?
A Boat History Search is all about establishing a chronology of operational events that may include accidents, salvage actions, enforcement activities, factory recalls and environmental damages. This differs from a Boat Title Search where the object is to identify the current owner and any outstanding liens or encumbrances. A title search may optionally include a historical chain of ownership whenever such data is available.
What is a hidden lien?
A hidden lien is a non-recorded claim against a boat for necessaries such as supplies, repairs, services, moorage, towing and damages inflicted on other persons or property. Under maritime or admiralty law, this applies mostly to boats operating on national or international waterways. When valid, such claims become attached to the boat itself and may transcend through subsequent owners even without their knowledge. Searching for hidden liens is a matter of checking all of the places were such events may have occurred.
Where do I search for USCG documentation records?
USCG vessel documentation records are maintained in a database system that is administered by the National Vessel Documentation Center. Although copies of applications and recorded instruments are available from this facility, it does not offer online searches. These must be obtained from the USCG Port Exchange website, the National Marine Fisheries website or through proprietary enterprise search dialogs such that provided in our website.
What can I learn from a hull identification number?
Hull identification numbers for boats manufactured after November 1, 1972 contain information about the manufacturer, a production serial number. The year built and the model year may differ in some cases. The first three characters are known as the Manufacturer's Identification Code (MIC) which is unique to the builder. This is followed by a factory production or serial number. Then, according to certain formatting requirements, it will show the month and year built along with the model year.
Where is a boat hull number located?
Hull numbers on fiberglass boats are typically molded into the uppermost right side of the stern or transom. If the boat has no transom, it is located on the upper aft most part of the hull. On older and wooden boats it may be engraved in the hull or attached as a plate. State assigned hull numbers are applied via a sticker or label. In any event, a hull identification number must be affixed in such a manner that would appear obvious in the case of tampering or removal.
Do boats have a hidden hull number?
Boat manufacturer's have been required since 1984 to affix a hidden hull identification number to their productions. This is placed in an unobtrusive area which is not easily accessible. In order to determine such location it may require a substantial visual inspection. You can otherwise contact the builder, the U.S. Coast Guard, or perhaps an experienced marine surveyor.
How can I detect prior boat damages?
The most important step in detecting a salvaged or damaged boat involves a close physical inspection. This should be conducted by a qualified marine surveyor who will know where to look for telltale signs of prior damage. Some states now offer title branding for these factors, but such trend is still in its infancy. The USCG also maintains a boating accident report database which can be accessed from our website. Enterprise boat history databases are available online, which may help in some cases.
How can I know if a boat is stolen?
A close inspection of the vessel identification numbers for signs of alteration or tampering is a good first step in determining whether it has been stolen. This in addition to a through title search and owner background check will help uncover such possibility. Our website also maintains a free proprietary stolen boat registry which may prove helpful. If there is still cause for concern, you can ask a local law enforcement agency to check their nationwide crime database to see whether the boat is listed.
Where can I obtain boat title insurance?
There is no such thing in the boating industry as vessel title insurance. A guarantee of title must accordingly come directly from the owner. However, this could prove ineffective if such party is unable or unwilling to make good on any such representations. The best protection against title defects is a thorough investigation of the boat's title, registration, lien status, and perhaps even a background check on the owner. Any resistance or non-cooperation on the owner's behalf in gathering this information should be cause for concern.
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